The Apprenticeship START Program was expanded in 2020 with additional funding in order to respond to the economic changes and challenges employers were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID expansion funding will conclude on May 31st, 2023. Employers in the urban areas of Halifax Regional Municipality, Sydney and Truro who registered apprentices and enrolled in the START program during the COVID-19 expansion will continue to receive funding for those apprentices.

All new applications to the Apprenticeship START Program received on or after June 1, 2023, will be assessed using new eligibility criteria. Apprenticeship START eligibility will be assessed based on each individual apprenticeship agreement. For the new eligibility requirements of Apprenticeship START and to review the Q&A’s, Guidelines and Fact Sheet, visit: Employer Supports 

Many changes have been made to improve the START program that will further encourage employers in Nova Scotia to register, retain, and support their apprentices to completion during their apprenticeship journey. The program will continue to foster growth in apprenticeship focusing on building a more accessible and inclusive apprenticeship system. 

If you have further questions regarding the Apprenticeship START program, please email apprenticeshipstart@novascotia.ca.